These threats come from a variety of sources — including federal banking regulators, the Federal Trade Commission and, more and more, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; state attorneys general; state banking regulators; and consumers represented by powerful and politically connected trial lawyers.

At Bowles Rice, our lawyers have experience successfully defending clients, big and small, against lending-related lawsuits and class action litigation brought by consumers and regulators. Our lawyers also possess experience dealing directly with federal and state regulators on behalf of our banking and lending clients. We recognize that "success" means more than just winning. Our team recognizes true success must come at a reasonable price and requires close attention to the management of a business's "brand" or public reputation.

Although litigation and regulatory investigations are expensive, our team seeks to minimize expenses by working closely with our clients to eliminate duplicative or unnecessary actions and get things right the first time. And, because lawsuits are stressful and expensive for every business, we also attempt to be as responsive as possible to our clients' needs, including preparing case budgets and responding to client requests for information as quickly as possible.

In the 2014 edition of U.S. News & World Report's "Best Law Firms," Bowles Rice ranks as First Tier in more than 30 areas of law in West Virginia, including Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, Financial Services Regulation Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy.

Bowles Rice represents more than 70 banks and bank holding companies and is proud to represent Community Bankers of West Virginia.

In the firm’s capacity representing both associations, Bowles Rice has filed numerous amicus briefs with the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia, which address a broad range of issues fundamental to the financial services industry, including:

McFarland v. Wells Fargo Bank and U.S. Bank National Association (applicable standard for proving unconscionability per the WVCCPA)

Successful defense of nationally known mortgage broker in state court action against broker, lender and surety accused of unconscionable inducement, breach of fiduciary duty and fraud regarding refinanced mortgage loan and subsequent short sale.

Defense of debt collector for alleged unlawful debt collection practices in violation of the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.

Representation of lender in legal actions against developer and guarantors for collection of notes.

Defense of a major West Virginia bank in an action involving numerous purchasers in a failed land development alleging breach of contract, negligence, joint venture, conspiracy and agency, negligent misrepresentation and punitive damages

Successful defense of a large lending servicer in a class action alleging unlawful application of payments in violation of West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act

Successful resolution on behalf of a major West Virginia bank seeking insurance coverage for losses sustained as a result of a bank customer's fraudulent activity